Rajasthan easily is one of the most craft rich states among all the states of our country. Coming from this multi- talented state we met a young man called Prashant Kumhar. Also known as Molela bhai, the next generation of potters, who is continuing with his family tradition of making terracotta art of Molela, Rajasthan.
Pic courtesy: Kalptaru Terracotta Art Centre
Pic courtesy: Kalptaru Terracotta Art Centre
Molela, a sun soaked village of Rajasthan, is located on the banks of river Banas. This unique terracotta art is the main business of this village and Prashant Kumhar son of Jamnalal Kumhar is one of the many other families that deal in this art. His family’s collective studio is known as the Kalptaru Terracotta Art Centre, where they make these beautiful sculptures, tiles and plaques. Most of them with the traditional Nagraj motive (the snake god) on them.
Read more about another craft of Rajasthan in our story Romancing Rajasthan’s heritage craft of Thikri
Pic courtesy: Cynthiasiegel.net
The unique terracotta art of Molela, Rajasthan is made from the mud dug out of the banks of the river Banas. Which then is mixed with donkey dung, since it’s high fibre content keeps the mud together. After that the product is put in the kiln for hours. Once baked, natural stone and mineral colours are used to give colour to the tile/plaque. In the end Jala, a locally made lacquer is used on them. Most of the craftsmen here refrain from using any material that is not organic in nature.
Pic courtesy: Prashant Kumhar with his work.
Pic courtesy: Kalptaru Terracotta Art Centre
With time the colours they use on the plaques as well as the motives are changing. A single tile can cost around 400 INR while a collective work of tiles like a Raas leela work will cost around 600 INR per/sq. ft or above. Travelling with alot of work to sell is another issue at hand, but these potters just won’t throw their wheel away yet. Like in the picture above, they are changing their designs and evolving to the new age.
We at Dextra strongly back these local craftsmen and hope to continue getting more such treasures from our talent abundant, colour rich country called India. Do follow us on our Facebook page for more on this art or like us on Instagram to see more stories like this.
